In the red

Meaning

The idiom "in the red" refers to a situation or financial position that is in debt, with negative equity or loss. It can also indicate danger or risk, as in being in an area or situation where there is potential harm.

Usage

• "After months of trying to save their business, they were finally forced to declare bankruptcy and find themselves 'in the red'."
• "She arrived at the party 'in the red' after overspending on her outfit and had to eat an expensive meal alone."
• "The company's stock price has been 'in the red' for weeks, causing investors to panic."
• "Despite his best efforts, he failed to pass the driving test and now has a license that is 'in the red'."
• "He had to take out a loan to cover the costs of his holiday, which put him 'in the red' financially for months." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in financial or economic contexts to indicate debt or loss, and it can also be used metaphorically to describe situations that are risky or dangerous. For example, a person might say they feel "in the red" when they're in a dangerous area or situation.

Roots and History

The idiom "in the red" dates back to the 19th century and is thought to have originated from the practice of accounting. When a company or individual has negative equity, it means that their assets are worth less than their liabilities. This was commonly represented in accounting books by showing a red ink line or mark next to the item, indicating that it was in the red.

Synonyms in English

• In debt
• With negative equity
• Owing money
• In financial trouble
• Out of pocket

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "en déficit" (in deficit)
• Spanish: "en negativa" (in negative)
• German: "mit Negativverwaltung" (with negative administration)
• Italian: "in debito" (in debt)
• Portuguese: "em dívida" (in debt)

Similar Idioms

• red flag

• icing on the cake

• black and blue